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Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Second Blogiversary! What Next?

Hard to believe it has been two years since I started this adventure in genealogy. There have been many amazing and frustrating moments along the way.

For the last six months blogging has been put on the back burner as life has interrupted in a big way. Health issues and unforeseen events have pulled my focus away from my favorite pastime, family history.

On this blogiversary several thoughts are swirling around inside my head. How important is this blog to my research? Do I want to continue writing?

Answering the first question is by far the easiest. The act of blogging has taught me that connecting with fellow bloggers is of vital importance. The responses elicited by posting a discovery or discussing a thorny issue has been incredible!

Additionally, the feeling of camaraderie from the wide range of genealogy blogging friends can't be overstated. They are by your side from celebrating a major "aha" moment to commiserating when hitting a brick wall.

Over these two years I learned priceless lessons from some of the brightest genealogy stars. Having access to people who have graciously offered new paths to travel and nuggets of wisdom.

Now the question of continuing to write this blog.

Life has a way of sneaking up on you and making you reevaluate your priorities. That is where I landed the beginning of the year. During this time I decided to step away from writing to focus on these many issues.

Recently a semblance of normalcy returned bringing with it the desire to continue genealogy research. Also came the realization that writing was something I greatly missed.

The act of stepping away for a period has allowed me to reflect on what I wish to accomplish with this blog. Here are several thoughts that occurred during this process.

1. Blogging should be fun - By setting rigid goals we can steal some of the joy from writing. Sometimes I would get so wrapped up in the process fun disappeared from view.

2. Listen to your inner self - Many times we write what we think others want to hear. Finding your own particular style and staying on course is the key to making your blog personal.

3. Don't be afraid of making a mistake - Now this is a very hard truth for a perfectionist! There were many blog posts that I spent half the day editing. With all the wonderful tools such as Spell Check writing is less of a chore.

Writing should not create a feeling of anxiety that someone will search out that one mistake! Especially if you let this fear stand in the way of creativity. If my facts are correct what matter is it if I miss a comma? And, if my Baltimore accent somehow sneaks into an occasional post is the end of the world?

The answer for the second question? YES! I'm back! This year will be about having fun and making discoveries. No more self imposed rules and regulations that nobody else expects me to fulfill.

Thanks for the kind words! You are too funny! Guess I wrote the post just as my thought process worked! Looking forward to continuing our blog friendship and reading YOUR great blog http://afamilytapestry.blogspot.com/

Thanks for your kind comments! Great blogging friends such as yourself make the entire process fun! So glad to have connected over on Twitter! Looking forward to reading your great blog in the next year http://desperatelyseekingsurnames.blogspot.com/

Well Deb! You had me fooled! I thought for sure you had been doing this for more than two years, your writing is so engaging and informative! Happy Day, and welcome back. And thanks for the excellent re-evaluation tips.

Thanks for the kind words!! Yes, I'm only passing the terrible twos (as Jenna reminds me)! Hopefully not headed to the trying threes. Also, thank you for your continued support both here on the blog and during Genealogy Discussion Group. Whenever I present it is always nice to see you smiling encouragement. Looking forward to you continuing to share your discoveries on http://jenny-rakingtheleaves.blogspot.com/

Congratulations to you and your blog, Deb. Life has interfered with my blogging and research this summer, too. I hope all is well with you now. Best wishes for many more great years of both genealogy research and blogging!

Thanks so much for stopping by and offering your kind words! Life has a way of slapping us in the head every now and then! Guess that is how we learn what is important. Looking forward to reading your wonderful blog http://nancysfamilyhistoryblog.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by from down-under to leave your congrats! Truly fun to connect from folks around the globe! Do love reading both your blogs http://geniaus.blogspot.com/ and http://androidgenealogy.blogspot.com/

Thank you for the congrats and kind words! Here is wishing lot's of grand writing and fun for the coming year! Will continue to enjoy the adventures over on your blog http://climbingmyfamilytree.blogspot.com/

Thank you! Yes, finding your voice as while blogging is so important! Otherwise how are you connecting with people unless they get to know you through your writing? Looking forward to another year of your blog http://who-knew-it.blogspot.com/

Thank you for stopping by and offering your kind words of congrats! Yes, having fun is the key. Makes the writing easier and more interesting. Love reading your blog http://spiritsoftheold.blogspot.com/

Happy blogiversary, Deb! I've missed your voice the past few months, and I'm glad to hear your health has recovered. I think you're absolutely right that blogging needs to be fun, and that the support bloggers offer each other is crucial. I'm so happy you're back! I look forward to reading whenever you're able to post.

Thank you for the kind words. Good to be back among the bestest people in the blogisphere! Looking forward to the coming year to grow, have fun and connect! Also, can't wait to see what adventure you have on your blog http://www.asenseoffamily.com/

Congratulations! I've been blogging for about eight months now, and it has been so rewarding. It's interesting that you work at the local library, because I've been meaning to approach our library. It has a large genealogical section but no on line presence.

I think you have a wonderful site and plan to visit often.Once again, congrats! William Gary Garnes http://www.howtofindyourfamilyhistory.com

About Me

Hello to the world of blogging! I work for our local public library and several years ago we had a technology initiative. One of our assignments was to create a blog. So here I am learning about genealogy and blogging at the same time. The goal is to learn something every day, connect to people with similar interests, and have fun along the way!